Vietnam to Ban Cosmetics Containing Potential Carcinogenic Preservatives

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health starting on July 30 will ban about 22,000 types of cosmetic products for containing five derivatives of Paraben that are suspected of causing breast cancer and male infertility. Cosmetics subject to the ban are those having derivatives of carcinogenic Paraben, namely isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben. Parabens are a common cosmetic ingredient used to prevent bacteria growth but have become the object of much scrutiny over their possible hazardous side effects, including higher risk of breast cancer. Some studies showed that parabens can penetrate the skin and act like a very weak estrogen in the body—potentially turning on the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. The DAV has also put a limit on the use of MCT+MIT, another popular preservative used in cosmetic production, noting that only a very low concentration of 0.0015 should be used in making detergent products and none at all in cosmetics. Nguyen Tat Dat, DAV deputy director, said violating enterprises will face strict punishments, including cash fines, product seizure, and trading license withdrawal. Since the beginning of this year, the DAV has cast a red flag over the use of Parabens in pharmaceutical production, encouraging drug and cosmetic makers to use natural and non-chemical preservatives instead. (vietnamnews.vn July 21)